On the heels of Moms sigh I heard her moan "Molly, you'd think it was summer if not for the Blackberry blossoms down the driveway and the spent Tupelo flowers falling in the backyard".

I didn't disagree as today was a definite reminder of the sweltering NC summers typical to our part of the Piedmont. The hot humid air reminiscent of a wet heavy blanket. My forest friends had to have been of the same opinion as there were no squirrels darting from tree to tree, or jumping from branch to branch for me to bark at. The only birds chattering were a pair of Carolina wrens in a low branch probably talking about who's turn it was to feed the babies. In the distance I could hear a lone crow cawing at an intruder to his neck of the woods.

The south has a different pace to it during the sweltering summer time months. Folks get up early in the cool of the day to take care of outside chores. I Molly get up early during this time of the year to take my walks and catch up on the nightly adventures of my furiends. Mom waters her flowers and takes care of her yard work. During the heat of the day we stay inside, as the heat and humidity turn the outside into a sauna. With the evenings cool temp. and the gentle breezes our forest comes alive once again and we enjoy the beauty of nature.

Suddenly there's the faintest cool breeze, similar to a dying gasp as the summer like day strangles the last breath of spring from existence until next year.

I hear Mom's voice as it breaks my reflections on the seasons change. "Molly it's time to go inside now, it's getting hot and they're calling for storms".

Appreciate the seasonal gifts while you have them dear furiends as with the heat and humidity of the southern summers comes Blackberry picking and Tupelo Honey.